Top News:
The Athletic:
What we're hearing around MLB: Cubs in mix for Bregman and Bichette, Mets working trade market — Some team is going to sign Kyle Tucker. Ditto for Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette and Cody Bellinger. But most of the teams pursuing those hitters are among the game's biggest spenders.
RELATED:
Will Sammon / The Athletic:
What to make of the Mets' interest in Kyle Tucker — Unlike a vocal segment of the New York Mets fan base, club officials view their roster as strong. Reeling in a star like free-agent outfielder Kyle Tucker, however, would dramatically boost the team's World Series odds.
Discussion:
New York Daily News, Yahoo Sports and SNY
Buster Olney / ESPN:
MLB free agency intel: Latest on Bregman, Tucker, more — The slow trickle of the MLB offseason has continued as the calendar flips to 2026. — Coming out of the holidays, 13 of Kiley McDaniel's top 25 free agents going into the winter remain unsigned and rumors continue to swirl …
Discussion:
The Athletic, Bleacher Report, MLB.com, MLB Trade Rumors, Pinstripe Alley, OnPattison and Boston.com
The Athletic:
Where the Cubs, Yankees, Blue Jays and more teams stand as MLB's offseason moves into January
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Five reasons for MLB's agonizingly slow winter: When will free agents sign?
Discussion:
The Athletic and Yahoo Sports
The Athletic:
Nine MLB teams' TV money in jeopardy as FanDuel networks continue to struggle — Next season's television income for nine Major League Baseball teams — close to one third of the league — is up in the air, adding a new wrinkle to an offseason where free agency has already moved slowly.
Evan Petzold / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers sign reliever Burch Smith to minor-league contract — The Detroit Tigers continue to add pitching depth. — Right-handed reliever Burch Smith signed a minor-league contract Dec. 23 with the Tigers. — The deal includes a non-roster invitation to MLB spring training …
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue and MLB Trade Rumors
RELATED:
Evan Petzold / Detroit Free Press:
Tigers re-sign Michigan native Dugan Darnell to minor-league contract — Right-handed reliever Dugan Darnell - a Michigan native who graduated from Northville High School and Adrian College - is set to enter the 2026 season with the Detroit Tigers. — The Tigers re-signed Darnell on Dec. 15 to a minor-league contract.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Jesse Rogers / ESPN:
Marlins trade Edward Cabrera to Cubs for Owen Caissie, 2 others — The Cubs on Wednesday acquired pitcher Edward Cabrera in a trade with the Marlins that sent top outfield prospect Owen Caissie and two other hitting prospects to Miami. — The Cubs also dealt away infield prospects Cristian Hernandez …
The Athletic:
The Transfer DealSheet: Latest on Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Real Madrid and more — Welcome to the first January 2026 edition of The Transfer DealSheet. — Our team of dedicated writers, including David Ornstein, will take you inside the market to explain the deals being worked on in the January transfer window.
Discussion:
sports.yahoo.com and CaughtOffside
Rick Stroud / Tampa Bay Times:
Todd Bowles says he's back as Bucs head coach for 2026 season — Todd Bowles stated his case plainly Monday, saying three consecutive NFC South titles should count for something even if his team missed the playoffs this year. Apparently the Glazer family, which owns the Bucs agreed.
Discussion:
New York Post, Bleacher Report and Pro Football Rumors
Jeff Passan / ESPN:
Sources: Rockies add Michael Lorenzen to rotation on $8M deal — Right-hander Michael Lorenzen and the Colorado Rockies are in agreement on a one-year, $8 million contract with a club option, sources told ESPN on Wednesday, marking the first free agent signing under new president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta.
Discussion:
The Liberty Line, FanGraphs Baseball, MLive.com, MLB.com, Purple Row, World Baseball Network and Denver Post
Andrew Marchand / The Athletic:
Clayton Kershaw is top studio target for NBC's MLB coverage: Sources — Future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw is a top studio target for NBC/Peacock's forthcoming Major League Baseball package, sources briefed on the talks told The Athletic. — Kershaw, who retired after the Dodgers' latest …
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports, Awful Announcing, New York Post and masslive.com
Associated Press:
A's denied ‘Athletics’ trademarks ahead of move to Las Vegas — LAS VEGAS — The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has denied the A's request to trademark the names “Las Vegas Athletics” and “Vegas Athletics.” — The club, which intends to move to Nevada in 2028, has three months …
Discussion:
Sportico, The Athletic, AZ Snake Pit and New York Post
